Hey guys, I have 2 Hobie mainsails and both have tears in the part of luff that goes inside the mast track. The tears on both are about 4 to 6 inches above the top of the wider area for feeding the luff into the track. The stiches have come out in that area so that the outer layer folds down and jams in the track making it very hard to raise the main those last 4 inches. How should I repair this? Do I have to get a whole new luff sleeve or should I just sew this part back on somehow? Alternatively I could cut that part out and just have no protection right there?

A picture would help me visualize... I may be thinking of a whole different issue... but I'd guess some sail tape would see you thru the season or at least each outing. Round the corners and use the tape to tighten and smooth it up if possible without adding thickness. Some Sailkote sprayed in the channel may help too - available at your Hobie dealer.

Keep the batten tension to a minimum. Hoist the sail slowly, while feeding into the mast opening. When the sail gets about 3/4's of the way up, begin aggressively feeding at the bottom opening and reduce the amount of halyard effort. If the halyard is pulled tight when the sail is not being fed into and up the track, you will have problems. The sail luff will pull taunt and the curve shape will bind in the (straight) mast track. Lower the sail slightly and begin feeding again.

The best way to feed the sail is to stand in front of the mast and reach around either side to "sandwich" the sail between two hands (above the feeder opening) and push the sail up the track. Pull with the halyard, only the slack created, then feed again. If the sail binds, lower slightly and begin feeding again. This technique can be done by one person, but is certainly easier with two working together. It is VERY important that the person on the halyard only pulls the slack up the mast and does not get ahead of the feeder.